All on the line for Glens Falls

Improvement up front key to the Indians' postseason success

Published 7:03 pm, Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Glens Falls (11-1), sectional champion for the first time since 1993, has carried the momentum all the way to the Carrier Dome, where the Indians will face Hornell (12-0) for the Class B state football championship. (Pete Dougherty/TimesUnion)

Media: Times Union

GLENS FALLS — His team led by three points and Pat Lilac knew exactly what he needed to do, so the Glens Falls coach hitched his team's Carrier Dome aspirations to the offensive line.

The results were a long drive culminated by a 21-yard touchdown pass from running back Mike LaNoir to fullback Joe McMahon as the Indians registered a 28-17 state Class B semifinal victory over Marlboro.

"Joe and Mike did what they do best, but they couldn't do it earlier in the game because we weren't maintaining any control of the line," Lilac said. "Down the stretch, they took control of the game for that drive — the biggest drive of the game."

"I think we've done great, We only have one kid over 230 pounds, but we've got heart," Maxam said.

Glens Falls has adopted and gravitated to an underdog mentality. Before practice began Wednesday morning, Lilac spoke about the USA hockey team's stunning upset over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Does Glens Falls believe in miracles? The Indians (11-1) enter Saturday's state Class B final vs. 2011 state Class A champion Maine-Endwell (12-0) in Syracuse as a colossal underdog.

"Nobody is expecting much. We're going out there to give it our all and, hopefully, we'll bring back a state championship," Maxam said. "Honestly, it is kind of nerve-racking. We're in the Dome in Syracuse and no one even thought we would get out of sectionals. We're a big underdog. It has taken some of the pressure off."

"Everyone dreams about this opportunity," Sax said. "This is as far as you can go. We worked for this and I think we deserve it."

Sax, a three-year starter, and Phinney have been a terrific tackle combination all season.

"Sam is the best athlete on the line and the guy with the most experience," Lilac said. "Austin Phinney is a kid who didn't play as a junior. He has probably made the most strides and improvements out of everybody."

Maxam, who grew up in Glens Falls, played the past two years at Hudson Falls.

"Andre has been good for this team, especially for the offensive line," Lilac said. "They are all quiet kids. Lee and Sam are great leaders for us, but they don't talk much. Andre's personality has been good for everyone. His best asset is his strength."

Farrell slotted into the starting job after a series of injuries decimated the guard position.

"Matt has worked hard from day one. His intelligence has allowed him to get that spot. When he stepped in, there were some concerns. We haven't missed a beat," Lilac said. "We were afraid he might get overwhelmed physically, but that has not happened because he is a fighter."

Girard was playing tight end and running back to open the season, but shifted back to center.

"First of all, Lee can make every line call. He is very intelligent and so darn tough," Lilac said. "Their growth on the line has coincided with our improvements as a team. Lee moving back to center stabilized things. Even though we had three season-ending injuries at the guard spot, they continued to grow as the season progressed."

"We started being more physical and getting off the ball quicker," Sax said. "This is the game where we have to be at our best."